Corps Meaning and Definition
Corps
Pronunciation
/kɔːr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A large organized group of people, typically with a shared identity, goal, or function, such as a military corps, a diplomatic corps, or a corps of engineers.
Examples
- The military corps was deployed to the conflict zone.
- The diplomatic corps was gathered at the embassy for the reception.
Additional Information
A corps can be a formal or informal organization, and its members often share a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Corps can be found in various fields, including the military, government, business, and education. The term “corps” is often used to convey a sense of unity and collective identity among its members.
In a military context, a corps is a large formation composed of multiple divisions, typically commanded by a lieutenant general. In a non-military context, a corps can refer to a group of people with a shared profession or expertise, such as a corps of engineers or a corps of volunteers.
The word “corps” comes from the Old French “cors,” meaning “body,” and is derived from the Latin “corpus,” also meaning “body.”
Usage Notes
In British English, the word “corps” is often used with a plural verb, whereas in American English, it is often used with a singular verb. For example, “The corps are deployed” (British English) versus “The corps is deployed” (American English).
Cultural References
The term “corps” has been used in various cultural contexts, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Corps” by W.E.B. Griffin is a series of military fiction novels, while the film “The Corps” (1972) is a drama about a Marine Corps officer.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Corps of engineers
- Diplomatic corps
- Press corps
Related Words or Phrases
- Unit
- Division
- Team
- Squad
Collocations
- Marine Corps
- Peace Corps
- Corps of engineers
- Diplomatic corps
Frequency of Use
The word “corps” is moderately common in modern language, with an estimated frequency of 0.01% in written English.